SACP Central Committee - Press
Statement
12 March 1995
The Central committee of the SACP met over the weekend 11th - 12th
March. Much of the discussion centered around the preparations for the SACP's 9th
National Congress, to be held on April 6th - 8th at shaft
17 conference center, Johannesburg. The two key slogans of the congress will be
: Advance, Deepen and Defend the Democratic Breakthrough, and Socialism is the
Future, build it Now! A major strategy and Tactics document, with the above
themes, is currently be circulated through out party structures.
The CC also discussed an extensive report by the party's General Secretary,
comrade Charles Nqakula. Based on the report the CC highlighted a number of
present political concerns, basically in the area of mass participation in the
ongoing transformation and development process.
Mass participation in ongoing transformation
The CC expressed its support for the GNU's determination to move effectively
against all forms of lawlessness - including corruption, white collar crime,
hostage-taking and wilful damage to property. In regard to acts like
hostage-taking, the CC emphasised that such things could not be condoned,
however justified or otherwise the underlying grievances might be. There must be
no ambiguity whatsoever in our condemnation of this kind of lawlessness.
At the same time, the CC underlined several
important concerns:
- the present situation is one in which the broad democratic transformation
and development of our society has only just began. The two critical factors
for ensuring on going transformation are the ANC-led alliance's positions in
government, and our strong traditions of mass democratic organisations and
mobilisation. But the present period is precisely one in which this second
factor (mass democratic organsistion) has been relatively weakened. This is
partly the results of the relocation of thousands of activists following the
elections April 1994. But it is also the result of inadequacies on our part,
as a broad movement, to give substantial content to our correct commitment
to a people-driven RDP. Developing campaigns and rebuilding mass democratic
organisations to participate actively in the RDP are now critical tasks.
- the condemnation of acts of lawlessness must be not be confused with a
narrow law and order approach. The repressive use security forces in crowd
situations must always be a last resort. Security forces must be all ways be
guided by minimum force principles in these situations. In particular, as a
liberations movement, we must bear in mind that the security forces are
still very much at the beginnings of transformation process. An emphasis on
community policing, mediation and negotiations all need to be inculcated
deeply within the culture of our security forces. It is crucial that we do
not fall into the trap of invoking security solutions without having
addressed our own organisations and strategic shortcomings at the grassroots
levels.
- the CC expressed its full support for the Masakhane campaign. Its is
precisely in this direction of popular participation that transformation
will be guaranteed, and the problems accruing form disappointed expectations
will be best addressed. The CC however, expressed concern that the Masakhane
should not be too narrowly presented as rents and services "pay
up"campaign. While rents and service charges need to be paid (where
services are, indeed, provided) the Masakhane campaign must be broadened to
ensure the fullest mass participation in the transformation process.
The central Committee called on SACP structures, and all other forces to give
full support to the April 20-26 Masakhane for a Learning Nation, School
renovation campaign.
The CC also called on all SACP members, and the public at large to become
actively involved in registration for the local Government Elections.
Now is the time to take democracy down
to the grass-roots level.
Issued by: The SACP Central Committee